Robert "Bob" Challenger

Robert “Bob” Challenger, age 66, of Elkton, MD passed away peacefully with his wife, Eileen, and son, JD, at his side on March 13, 2025.  

Bob was born on July 25, 1958, in Chattanooga, TN. Bob was the middle child of the late Leigh and Erma (Foster) Challenger. Shortly after Bob was born the family moved to Delaware, living in Willow Run, near Elsmere. Bob graduated from Conrad High School in 1976 where he participated in several sports including soccer, basketball, and golf.  

Bob graduated from High Point College in 1982 with a degree in Behavioral Science. Early in his career, he championed the rights of people with developmental disabilities. Some of his proudest career moments include facilitating the move of individuals from institutions to community-based living arrangements. Later in his career he earned a certification from the University of Delaware in Training and Employee Development. He had found his true calling and went on to educate many on how to do their job with excellence.  He retired from the State of Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families in 2019, after 20 years of service.  

Bob was a man of many interests. As a young boy he enjoyed playing baseball, soccer, and golf.  As a young adult he would enjoy white water rafting and skiing trips with his friends.  He also enjoyed thoroughbred horse racing and visited many racetracks across the country, including Saratoga, Del Mar, Keeneland, Fair Grounds and Emerald Downs. He even got to cash a ticket at the Hipodromo Camarero in Puerto Rico.  

Like many, Bob had a love/hate relationship with the game of golf. As a boy he played with his father and continued to play throughout the years. When he retired, he had the opportunity to play the game a lot more and often would come home saying “I quit” but a week later he would be right back out there.  Over the years he was able to enjoy many golf outings with JD, his friend Mike and his nephews Daniel, Vinnie and Eric.

Bob was a dedicated sports fan. He remembered fondly the many trips his father would take him and his brother to see the Baltimore Colts and Orioles. As he got older, and due to the Colts moving to Indianapolis, Bob “saw the light” and became a fan of all Philadelphia sports teams, most notably the Eagles and Phillies. He enjoyed attending live sporting events and was able to see his beloved Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl this past February.

Bob was a voracious reader. Over the years he read thousands of books. His interests included history, sports and biographies. Most notably, he accumulated an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the American Civil War. His knowledge of the world was broadened by his reading and would always be up for discussions and debate about past events.

Bob was a lover of dogs. He would have been met at the rainbow bridge by Clifford, Buddy and Wilson. His dog, Wolfie, and grand-dog, Boomer, continue to bring joy to Eileen and JD.

Bob will be remembered for his sense of humor, love of life and big heart. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.  

Bob is survived by his wife of 33 years, Eileen of Elkton, MD; his son, JD of Newark, DE; his brother, Douglas Challenger  (Laurie) of Belchertown, MA; his sister, Lynn Saienni (Chris) of Newport, DE; his half-brother, Donald Challenger (Cecelia) of Lewes, DE; his sisters-in-law, Karen Litwa of Wilmington, DE, Maureen Boland of Newark, DE and Sharon Boland of Claymont DE; his niece, Amber Hefner (James) of Wilmington DE; his nephews, Daniel Litwa (Lindsey) of Hockessin, DE, Vinnie (Amanda) Saienni and Eric (Laura) Saienni of Wilmington, DE; his grandnephews, Dameon, Colton, Owen, Miles; and grandniece, Mia.

A Celebration of Bob’s life will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11am at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Wilmington DE 19808, where a visitation will begin at 10AM. In memory of Bob, Eileen and JD welcome you to wear your Philadelphia sports apparel if you are inspired.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Sunday Breakfast Mission, PO Box 352, Wilmington DE 19899 or the American Lung Association.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert "Bob" Challenger, please visit our floral store.